SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – During a recent visit to El Salvador, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that President Nayib Bukele has made an extraordinary offer to accept deportees from the U.S. of any nationality, including American criminals currently imprisoned in the United States. This unprecedented migratory agreement was highlighted by Rubio during a signing ceremony for an unrelated civil nuclear agreement with El Salvador’s foreign minister.

Rubio’s visit aimed to push for stronger immigration measures in cooperation with the Trump administration’s policies, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and cooperation with regional countries to address illegal migration. The focus on migration was evident throughout Rubio’s Central American tour, which included stops in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.

One notable proposal discussed was the “safe third country” agreement, which would allow the U.S. to deport non-Salvadorean migrants to El Salvador. Bukele went a step further by offering to accept and incarcerate U.S. citizens or legal residents convicted of violent crimes, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing criminal deportations.

While discussing migration, Rubio also addressed the enforcement actions undertaken to deter illegal migration, such as the deportation flight witnessed in Panama City. The U.S. has been working closely with Panama to prevent unauthorized migration and engage in deportations of third-country nationals to curb illegal border crossings.

Amid these efforts, the Trump administration’s freeze in U.S. foreign assistance has impacted programs targeting migration and crime in Central America, prompting adjustments in agency operations and oversight. Rubio’s interaction with foreign leaders, including discussions on the Panama Canal, reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges and security concerns.

Rubio’s visit underscored the complex dynamics surrounding migration, regional cooperation, and security issues in Central America. As the administration continues to navigate these challenges, partnerships with countries like El Salvador and Panama remain crucial to address the root causes of illegal migration and bolster enforcement efforts.